Inspired doors and windows

Homeowners looking for design inspiration for the holidays should focus on enhancing their windows and doors. That's the recommendation of designer David Bromstad of HGTV's "Design Star," "Color Splash" and "The White Room Challenge" television shows.

"A home's windows and doors are a natural backdrop for encouraging holiday design elements," says Bromstad, president of David Bromstad Designs. "Especially during the evening, you get a warm glow coming from a home's interior that reaches out as an invitation to guests."

Bromstad recommends that homeowners be careful with how they adhere decorations to key aspects of the home — especially windows and doors — used for exiting in case of an emergency. He suggests taking the advice of leading door and window manufacturers regarding the proper way to decorate windows and doors, which includes never drilling into, or puncturing, the frame or sash of windows or doors. Such action can damage the units and void the product's warranty.

Instead, use removable hangers or attach decorations from above the frames. The experts at Simonton Windows, which produces Energy Star-qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, recommend affixing suction cups on the window glass to hang glass ornaments, plastic snowflakes or glass icicles so that light enhances the decorations.

Known for his "out of the box" ideas, Bromstad offers these holiday tips:

Drape live garland around window and door frame interiors and exteriors. Add something whimsical such as snowball ornaments, clothes pins that hold up brass jingle bells, miniature wrapped presents or handmade ornaments made by family members.

Welcome the sounds of the holidays by attaching an old-fashioned leather strap with jingle bells on your home's front door.

Create a winter wonderland inside the home by having your family make dozens of paper snowflakes. Hang them from the ceiling in the entryway and from curtain rods on windows with fishing line to create a snowy climate.

Creative wreaths

For interesting wreaths, experts at Therma-Tru Doors, a leading entryway door manufacturer, suggest creating one with magnolia leaves and fresh fruit such as pears, apples and pomegranates or theming your wreath to match your home's style. For example, if you have a rustic style home, consider adding antlers, a cowboy hat or rope to your wreath. For a coastal home, consider a wreath of woven sea grass with sea shells or a brightly painted life preserver with lights and decorative glass floats.